When it comes to dinner recipes, there is no shortage of flavorful and exciting options. A romantic dinner, however, requires a bit more finesse. You don’t want to risk a “Pinterest fail” on your special occasion, and we don’t blame you. We’ve got you covered with every dinner for two recipe worth trying in 5 Romantic Dinner Recipes You’ll Love.
1. Pan Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic Finishing Butter
Filet Mignon may well be the quintessential romantic dinner entree, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Every truly great steak needs little in the way of seasoning; the key is to enhance the natural flavor and avoid covering it up. That’s why we love this simple, elegant recipe for pan seared filet mignon with garlic finishing butter.
Ingredients:
2 (6 oz) Filet Mignon
½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Pinch lemon zest
4 Tbsp. butter
½ tsp garlic
Instructions:
Take your steaks out of the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature prior to cooking.
While your steaks rest, mix up your finishing butter. In a small bowl, use a fork and mash together: 2 tablespoons of softened butter, ½ teaspoon of garlic, a dash of salt and pepper, and a pinch of lemon zest. Set your finishing butter aside.
Next, sprinkle your filets with salt and pepper on each side.
When you are ready to begin cooking, add 2 Tbsp. of butter and olive oil to a cast iron skillet and heat on medium-high heat. Add both steaks and cook on each side for approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you have achieved your desired level of doneness. For further details and expert advice, check out our guide on How to Cook Filet Mignon.
Plate and top with a rounded Tbsp. of Garlic Finishing Butter, and serve with a colorful vegetable of choice. Pair with a fresh white wine to go with the garlic flavor of your finishing butter.
2. Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Romantic dinners don’t have to be “steak or die.” Sometimes a little spice is exactly what you need. For those occasions, try Creamy Chicken Enchiladas. With little prep and low mess, this recipe is rich in flavor and will leave you with leftovers.
Ingredients:
6 burrito-sized flour tortillas
2 c. shredded, cooked chicken breast
8 oz softened cream cheese
2 c. shredded Colby-jack cheese
1 can green enchilada sauce
1 can diced green chiles
1 c. heavy cream
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cream cheese, approximately 1 ½ c. shredded cheese, ½ can enchilada sauce, ½ can chiles. Next, spoon mixture into flour tortillas and roll tightly. Place each enchilada seam side down in a baking dish. Top with heavy cream and remaining enchilada sauce. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350° F for approximately 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over the top, then return to oven, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Plate and serve with a fresh salad. Pair with either a light pinot grigio or a Malbec.
3. Surf and Turf
There’s really nothing quite like a perfectly prepared Surf and Turf recipe dinner for two. We love this recipe for Citrus Buttered Lobster Tails. Succulent and rich, this romantic dinner option is best when paired with Filet Mignon. Serve with sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini.
4. Grilled Shrimp Kebobs with Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette
What’s more romantic than a clean kitchen? Okay, maybe a few things, but we’re willing to bet fewer dishes can’t hurt. Skip the oven and fire up the grill instead! Take our favorite recipe for Grilled Shrimp Kebobs with Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette and cut the ingredients in half, then pair with your favorite steak to achieve the perfect dinner recipe for two. Try one of these: Grilled Filet with Shellfish Butter, Grilled KC Strip with Blue Cheese Mashers, or if you’re a ginger fan, Miso Ginger Ribeyes.
5. Grilled Tenderloin with Avocado Buerre Blanc
Savory, tender grilled tenderloin tips, dry white wine, white wine vinegar, shallot, unsalted butter and avocado complement one another in this romantic dinner recipe. Check out the complete recipe here, and serve with grilled asparagus or zucchini.
Do you have a favorite dinner recipe for two? Tell us in the comments below!
